Project Summary

Parking Perspectives is developing a kerbside use optimisation tool, to inform decision making on how best to allocate kerbspace on streets. The software will help local authorities assess and compare options for the use of kerbspace in particular streets or areas, based on carbon emissions and socio-economic impacts.

Project Achievements

Parking Perspectives has developed KerbPlanner, a software tool to assess and compare options for use of kerb space in particular streets or areas. KerbPlanner allows local authorities, communities, planners and engineers to test different options for allocating kerb space. Based on the demand for kerbspace generated by the local land use, it calculates the carbon and other socio-economic impacts of each option. It includes the ability to model loading bays, blue badge spaces, electric vehicle charging, and other dedicated spaces, as well as general parking. It can model different configurations for different times of day/week, and can cover other uses beyond parking, such as streetscape features and amenities. The support from TRIG allowed us to take KerbPlanner from an initial concept to a working tool. We developed the underlying calculations, user interface, data input requirements, core engine and presentation of results.

Conclusions

KerbPlanner is now a tool that Parking Perspectives can offer clients. It will help us to provide evidenced advice and insight on transport schemes, urban realm schemes and operational decisions about kerbspace allocation. We have designed it to be flexible to accommodate any site’s needs, be able to incorporate any required streetscape features, and to accommodate ongoing developments in carbon and other assessment methods for these.

The TRIG programme enabled us to turn the idea of KerbPlanner idea into reality – and in turn to help local authorities and communities to decarbonise kerbside uses, and secure better outcomes for streets and their communities.

Next Steps

Our next steps for KerbPlanner will include engaging with other local authorities who have already expressed an interest, to demonstrate the working product to them and identify further locations where it can help address their problems. We will also begin promoting Kerb Planner more widely as part of our capabilities.